As the calendar flips to a new year, there’s a certain magic in the air—a sense of renewal, fresh starts, and the possibility to do things a little differently. But let’s face it: New Year’s resolutions can sometimes feel like a to-do list we’ve already failed before February. This year, how about a gentler approach? Let’s focus on resolutions that support you, bring you joy, and happen to be good for the planet too. Sustainability doesn’t have to mean sacrifice; it can be fun, rewarding, and yes, even delicious.
You don’t need to overhaul your entire life to make a difference. Little changes—the kind that actually stick—can add up over time. Ever thought about trying one new recipe a week? Adding seaweed to your meals isn’t just a fun culinary experiment; it’s also a sustainable choice. Seaweed is a nutritional powerhouse and one of the most eco-friendly foods you can eat. Toss it into a soup, sprinkle it on a salad, or use it to wrap your next sushi roll. Who knows? You might just discover your new favorite dish.
Another simple shift? Cutting back on single-use plastics. Start small: carry a reusable water bottle, keep a tote bag handy for impromptu shopping, or try beeswax wraps instead of cling film. These tiny tweaks not only reduce waste but also give you that little buzz of satisfaction every time you avoid throwing something away. It’s a secret high five to Mother Nature.
Sustainability doesn’t have to be all serious. Why not make it playful? Challenge yourself to go a whole week buying nothing new. Hit up a thrift store, swap clothes with a friend, or get creative with what you already own. It’s amazing what you can find when you look at things with fresh eyes. (That slightly neglected sweater in the back of your wardrobe? Total comeback potential.)
Or how about a “green date night”? Cook a meal together using locally sourced ingredients, or head outside for a hike instead of the movie theatre. Bonus: it’s way easier on the wallet and the planet.
Here’s a thought: what if sustainability extended to how we take care of ourselves? Try swapping out one beauty product for a more eco-friendly alternative. Seaweed-based skincare, for example, is not only kind to the environment but also works wonders on winter-weary skin. Treat yourself to a face mask or a soothing bath and enjoy a moment of mindfulness. Self-care and sustainability? That’s a win-win.
And don’t forget about mental health. Resolutions shouldn’t feel like a chore. This is about setting intentions, not impossible goals. Think about what makes you happy and how you can integrate that into your life—maybe it’s spending more time outside, learning a new skill, or just slowing down and appreciating the little things. After all, living sustainably is as much about enjoying life as it is about protecting the planet.
Food is such a huge part of our lives and one of the easiest areas to make more sustainable choices. Start by buying seasonal produce; it’s fresher, tastier, and doesn’t come with the carbon footprint of out-of-season imports. Or try cutting back on meat a couple of days a week. You don’t have to go full vegan (unless you want to!) to make a difference.
And then there’s seaweed. (You knew it was coming.) Not only is it a sustainable food source, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Add some seaweed seasoning to popcorn, mix it into pasta sauces, or even bake it into bread. Seaweed might just become the secret ingredient that takes your cooking from “meh” to “wow.”
Here’s the thing: living sustainably isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making conscious choices where you can and cutting yourself some slack when you can’t. Maybe you’ll forget your reusable coffee cup one day. That’s okay. Maybe you’ll cave and buy that cute sweater you didn’t really need. That’s okay too. Sustainability is a journey, not a destination. The important thing is to keep moving forward, even if it’s just one small step at a time.
So this year, let’s make resolutions that feel good—for us and for the planet. Let’s try new things, embrace the imperfect, and celebrate the little wins. Who knows? By this time next year, you might look back and realise just how far you’ve come. Happy New Year, and here’s to a more sustainable 2025!